Konark: The fourth evening of the Konark Festival 2023 commenced with the lamp lighting ceremony by Former Police Commissioner Mumbai Shri Arup Patnaik in the presence of President OSNA, Guru Aruna Mohanty, and Director Tourism Sachin R Jadhav. Next, audiences were treated to mesmerising performances of Mohiniyattam and Odissi.
The first set of performances saw Pallavi Krishnan & Group of Lasya Academy of Mohiniyattam from Kerala performing the ‘Shiva Tantwam’ and ‘Karuna’. The rhythm and music composition for the performances were by composer Shri Nedumpally Rammohan in Ragamalika and Talamalika and choreography by Smt. Pallavi Krishnan. The performances were based on acclaimed Malayalam poems by Kumaranashan. The poems aimed to inspire reincarnation of individuals like Upagupta who selflessly aid others and the less fortunate, prioritizing their well-being over personal luxury and interests.
The second half of the evening saw Odissi performances by Daksha Mashruwala and Group of Kaishiki Dance Academy, New Delhi. The troupe performed ‘Ragamala’, ‘Jog Pallavi’ ‘Prana Sangini Re’ and ‘Roshini’. Ragamala is an Indian Raga composed by Smt Malini Rajurkar, identifying women as Shakti, Janani, Beauty, or Devi, and was dedicated to them. Jog Pallavi was an intricate Odissi dance technique, known for its lyrical, sensuous style and sculpturesque quality. ‘Prana Sangini Re’ was an Odia abhinaya by Banamali Das, where a young Gopi confides in her friend about an embarrassing event.
The music composition for the performance was by Jateen Sahu, rhythm composition by Rohan Dahale and choreography by Guru Smt Daksha Mashruwala.
During the day, sand artists participating in the 13th International Sand Art Festival created spectacular sand sculptures on themes of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and “Climate Change” at the Chandrabhaga Beach.
The diverse sand arts showcased the finesse and beauty of sand artists across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. The presence of international tourists from foreign countries at the festival stood as a testament to the event’s allure and its ability to resonate with a diverse audience, promoting Odisha’s cultural heritage.
